Lotus berthelotii
coral gem
A trailing or ground covering evergreen sub shrub to 20cm in height, with silver-grey linear leaves and rich orangey-red pairs of pointed flowers in spring and early summer
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Grey | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Grey | |||
| Autumn | Grey | |||
| Winter | Grey |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H2Botanical details
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Trailing, Matforming
- Genus
Lotus can be annuals, perennials, deciduous or evergreen shrubs, with simple or compound leaves and pea-like flowers that may be solitary or clustered
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Canary & Cape Verde Islands
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in well-drained compost in full sun. Under glass, grow in a loam -based compost with added grit. Water sparingly in winter. Water freely in summer and feed monthly with a balanced liquid fertiliser
Propagation
Propagate by seed at 19-24°C or semi-ripe cuttings in spring or autumn
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Gravel garden
- hanging basket
- Mediterranean climate plants
- Sub-tropical
- Low Maintenance
- Banks and slopes
- Bedding
- Conservatory and greenhouse
- Flower borders and beds
- Garden edging
- Underplanting of roses and shrubs
- Wall side borders
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite, mealybugs and aphids under glass
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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